I’ve always been a devourer of documentaries. Most of the time, I find myself seeing documentary titles that I have watched and desperately looking for new documentaries. But I never expected one to completely change the way I live and think. Have you ever had one of those sudden lightbulb moments? Mine happened after watching Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix. It sparked such a fire in me that I spent the entire next month diving headfirst into a minimalist lifestyle, gently letting go of all the clutter that was just taking up space in my home and my mind.
It’s amazing how a 79-minute film can inspire such a beautiful shift. The documentary was wonderfully made, but the core message was what truly touched my heart: our stuff won’t ever be the secret to our happiness.
 |
| Minimalism is a way of living more easily. |
What is Intentional Living, Really?
When you hear the word "minimalism," you might picture a cold, empty room with one chair. But that couldn't be further from the truth! At its heart, simple living is simply about intentionality. It means making sure the things taking up space in your home actually earn their keep by bringing you joy or serving a real, practical purpose.
Through warm interviews and honest stories, filmmakers Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn beautifully illustrate how we often use shopping to fill a void. And please know—you don’t need to sell everything you own to embrace the benefits of minimalism. It’s a completely personal journey. The goal is just to take these cosy, mindful concepts and weave them into your life in a way that feels good to you.
Escaping the Clutter Trap
We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more. Between picture-perfect social media feeds and round-the-clock online shopping, it's so easy to fall into the trap of buying things just to keep up appearances.
Many of us accidentally tie our joy to the newest tech gadget or the endless cycle of fast fashion. We get a quick thrill when a package arrives, but that feeling fades fast. Before we know it, a newer model is released, and our closets are overflowing with clothes we only wear a fraction of the time. This constant chasing of the "next best thing" is exhausting, isn't it? As Jim Carrey so wisely pointed out, getting everything you've ever wanted materially is often the quickest way to realise it’s not the answer.
How to Start Decluttering Your Life?
If you’re craving a more peaceful space, here are a few gentle, beginner-friendly tips to help you declutter your home and start your own journey:
Question yourself before you purchase: This sounds simple, but it takes practice! Before checking out, take a deep breath and ask yourself, "Does this truly add value to my life?"
The One-Year Rule: A lovely way to start is by going through your closet or storage spaces. If you haven't touched an item in the past year, it’s probably time to bless someone else with it by donating it.
The "One In, One Out" Habit: If you decide to treat yourself to a beautiful new pair of jeans, donate an older pair you no longer wear. It’s a brilliant way to keep your home balanced and peaceful.
Seasonal Refreshes: Make it a cosy habit to evaluate your belongings every six months. Pour a cup of tea, put on some music, and gently clear out the excess that naturally finds its way back into our lives.
Finding Joy in Less
That documentary was the gentle push I needed. Because of it, I sold over $1,000 worth of household items on the Facebook marketplace, as well as handing over some items to a local charity shop.
I’ll be totally honest with you: letting go of our stuff can feel a little scary and emotional at first. But once you get past that initial hurdle, the feeling of lightness is truly wonderful. Today, every piece of clothing in my closet is a favourite, and my space feels like a true sanctuary. I can honestly say I am so much happier with less, and if you give it a try, I have a feeling you will be, too.